Wednesday, October 27, 2021
The supporters of Dr. Virginia Burkett, who operate the “Burkett for NSU President” Facebook page, report response has been through the roof from alumni and stakeholders near and far who wish to see her selected as Northwestern’s next President.
As of publication deadline, posts on the page had reached 11,800 persons, with different posts being engaged 3,467 times. The page was initially published last Wednesday, Oct. 20, so the numbers have grown quickly.
The page features resumé info as well as a number of photos. Much of the content has been liked and shared. It is a different way to introduce a candidate, but supporters feel it has been effective to quickly acquaint alumni and the general public with Dr. Virginia Burkett, someone who is immensely qualified, but who is simply not a self-promoter.
L. Alan McMurty of Natchitoches voiced what many others have said when he commented, “Best CV for an NSU candidate for President of the University I have ever seen. Hands down.”
To see Dr. Burkett’s Curriculum Vitae/resumé visit https://tinyurl.com/kpbxpjkk.
Many who agree with McMurtry are writing letters and emails of support, asking the Presidential Search Committee to be sure and advance Dr. Burkett as the top pick.
To send an email of support, which will be forwarded to the Committee, visit https://tinyurl.com/3svnvvfs.
This Monday, Nov. 1, Dr. Burkett will meet with various constituent groups on the NSU campus to have conversations with stakeholders prior to the search committee making its selection.
The Nov. 1 meeting schedule for Dr. Burkett is as follows:
7:30 a.m. – Faculty Meetings, Natchitoches Room
8:30 a.m. – Student Leaders Meetings, TV Studio
10:30 a.m. – Community Leaders & Alumni Meetings, Middle Lab Auditorium
11:30 a.m. – Staff Meetings, Theatre West
1:30 p.m. – Search Committee Interviews, Magale Recital Hall
On Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m., the Presidential Search Committee will meet to make its selection of top finalists. This meeting will be streamed live on the University of Louisiana (UL) System YouTube channel.
Interested persons who wish to speak on Dr. Burkett’s behalf may wish to privately message the “Burkett for NSU President” Facebook page to coordinate their efforts with her other supporters’ plans. We encourage all who can attend these meetings to do so as a show of support for Dr. Virginia Burkett.
The UL System Board of Supervisors will make the final selection for NSU President on Nov 8. Board Members are George “Barry” Busada, Shreveport; James Clarke, Lafayette; John Condos, Lake Charles; Steven Davison, Ruston; Lola Dunahoe, Natchitoches; Thomas Kitchen, Metairie; Mildred “Mimi” Methvin, Lafayette; Alejandro “Al” Perkins, Baton Rouge; Dana Peterson, New Orleans; Elizabeth “Liz” Pierre, Monroe; Virgil Robinson Jr., New Orleans; Mark Romero, New Iberia; Kristine Russell, Thibodaux; Joe Salter, Baton Rouge; Bradley Stevens, Amite; and L’Oreal Williams, Hammond.
We are told if interested persons wish a mailing address for any of the above names, those persons may privately message the “Burkett for NSU President” Facebook page.
DON’T FORGET!! Author and former Lt. Robert “Robbo” Davidson will have a Book Signing at the KWLA Radio Studios at 605 San Antonio Ave. in downtown Many this Thursday, Oct. 28 from 2 until 4 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend and pick up a copy of his book, “The Evil I Have Seen,” which tells the true crime stories of seven high-profile cases based in Sabine and DeSoto Parishes, all with unusual circumstances.
Books will be available at the Signing and may also be purchased at Barnes & Noble, on Amazon and at Target.
Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds Sabine Parish voters that the Nov. 13 election is fast approaching. Early voting starts Saturday, Oct. 30, and continues through Nov. 6, excluding Sunday, Oct. 31. Persons who wish to vote early may do so at Registrar of Voters Zack Faircloth’s office in the Courthouse.
Sabine voters will cast their ballots on four Constitutional Amendments and two property tax renewals. One is for the Health Unit and the other for the Sabine Parish Library. Voters can utilize Louisiana’s free, award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVoteMobile, to locate early voting locations, Election Day voting sites or to view their sample ballot.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, commissioners will be supplied with personal protective equipment and will regularly sanitize designated areas and wipe down voting machines between each use by voters. Hand sanitizer will be provided to voters and masks are recommended, although not required.
Cardetrick Eudarris Woods, age 43, of Many was arrested Thursday afternoon, Oct. 21, at his home on Sabine High St.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) Agents have been investigating Woods’ illegal narcotic activity since February 2021. Agents were able to obtain a search warrant for his residence and property.
The newly formed Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Special Operations Group (SOG) executed the search warrant and made entry into the home of Woods. The operation was successful, and no civilians or deputies were harmed.
TNT Agents and Detectives located and seized approximately 23 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two digital measuring scales and a glass smoking device.
Woods was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, warrant for three counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth), and warrant for one count of Distribution of schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids).
Bond for Woods was set at a total of $40,000 by the 11th Judicial District Court.
(Special thanks to Det. Wade Seegers for the above article.)
Along with friends Steve and Phyllis Birdwell of Marthaville, we had the good fortune to join Shoji Tabuchi as he was inducted into the National Fiddlers Hall of Fame in Tulsa, OK last Friday night. Shoji has been a friend for more than 50 years. A native of Japan, he was inspired to switch from Classical to Country music and come to America after he heard Roy Acuff’s fiddler, Howdy Forrester, play “Listen to the Mockingbird” in his home country when just a young man. His dream came true. He came to America, and he did it the right way.
I first met Shoji when he lived in Bossier City and was part of the David Houston Show. A man that loves to fish, he at one time owned a lot on Toledo Bend. Realtor Lewis McBride sold it for him a few years back.
After Shoji moved to Branson, MO, he quickly became the top-rated Country music show there for many years. About three years ago there was a fire in his theater, which caused major smoke damage. It has not re-opened since then.
He termed his induction Friday night as “My biggest honor.” He opened his part on the program with the Gospel favorite “Just A Closer Walk with Thee.” Then he and daughter Christina sang “Jambalaya.” Next, he and fiddler Jana Jae (who at one time was married to Buck Owens), performed a beautiful twin fiddle duet of “Westphalia Waltz.” He closed his portion of the show with a great, grooving rendition of “Milk Cow Blues.”
Also on the program were Kris Kristofferson, who attended to honor his and Dwight Yoakam’s former fiddler, Scott Joss, and Buddy Allen, son of Buck Owens, who was part of a tribute to Don Rich, who was inducted posthumously.
‘Spooktacular’ October comes to an official end in Many this Friday, Oct. 29 with Trick or Treating with the merchants on San Antonio Ave. from 3-5 p.m., Trick or Treating in Many’s neighborhoods from 5-7 p.m. and a big Trick or Treat Party and Halloween movie at the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] that begins at 7 p.m.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charley Brown” is the featured film and it is a classic Halloween movie that will delight children and the rest of the family.
Join the Peanuts gang for a timeless adventure as Charlie Brown preps for a party, Snoopy sets his sights on the Red Baron, and Linus patiently awaits a pumpkin patch miracle.
The plot revolves around Linus trying to convince the rest of the Peanuts crew about a Great Pumpkin. He thinks the huge pumpkin will give all the kids presents if they stay in a pumpkin patch on Halloween night. Of course, most of their friends ignore Linus and opt to go trick-or-treating instead.
The Halloween special also includes a famous scene with Snoopy having one of his typical daydreams. Snoopy is seen in World War I flight gear as he attempts to shoot down the Red Baron while flying atop his doghouse. It’s just one of many great scenes in the classic holiday feature.
As always, the movie is free, and concessions will also be free for this Halloween party. The theatre door opens at 6:15 p.m..
Mayor Robert Hable, the Cultural District Advisory Committee, and the Many City Council sponsor Movies in Many.
(A special thank you to Mary Brocato for the above information.)
We were recently in Hemphill, TX and saw a few strange-looking objects that looked like one of those old round butane tanks. We wondered why there were several around town and stopped to ask. We found they were painted like giant corks or floaters for a fishing pole. I suppose they were placed to welcome tourists to town, much like the multi-colored fish you see in Sabine Parish. Word is out that Milam is looking at putting up some giant fishing poles to complete the circle. Maybe this area could be turned into a “Giant Fishing Trail.”
The Sabine Parish Tourist and Recreation Commission continues to seek applicants for its new Director, according to President Lauren Moore. A three-member team of Louisiana tourism professionals have agreed to collect, vet and score applicants and their work records according to their credentials and experience. Deadline to receive applications is Nov. 2 by 4 p.m., with the scoring of applicants being done on Nov. 3-5.
A slate of the most qualified applicants will be recommended to continue with interviews by President Moore and two other Commission members. The entire Board will vote on the next Director after interviews are completed.
An application and job description can be found at https://toledobendlakecountry.com/about.
WE GET LETTERS: This one from Dr. Ronald Byrd, a reader in South Boston, VA:
“Dr. Burkett is a winner and Glenn Jones is a loser, no doubt on either case. I’m in agreement with you that not being an educator is a plus for Dr. Burkett and NSU. That Jones guy, I’m convinced, has mental problems that will lead to a loss of business that will probably eventually shut him down. I continue to be more impressed with Sheriff Mitchell. Giving folks whose kids will be trick-or-treating info on sex offenders is a really good move, and his five deputies who just finished advanced training will give him better ability to keep on with the really impressive job of policing Sabine; that rogue’s gallery at the end of your news last week was impressive. Looks like he’d run out of criminals, but he keeps catching them. On a brighter note, I was happy to see Jerry Pierce being honored; he’s another winner and his Reflections complements your Observations nicely. You two NSU journalism graduates do a terrific job for out-of-staters like me who like to reminisce and just keep up as well. Keep it up.”
We were thrilled to recently learn young Many residents Anna Claire and Jack Coplin, along with Teagan Rodrigues, all volunteered at the Sabine Animal Shelter and did some great work.
Teagan and Anna Claire were each working toward their six hours of Community Service required by the National Beta Club for membership, in addition to good grades and other prerequisites. Anna Claire’s older brother, Jack, helped out simply as a good deed.
Sabine Animal Shelter Board Member Diann Migliore reported, “I had the great honor of being asked to sponsor two of our local 5th graders – Teagan Rodrigues and Anna Claire Coplin. The girls wanted to earn their [Beta Club] service time at Sabine Animal Shelter. We had visited the Shelter a few times in July and August, and the girls fell in love with the Shelter,” she explained.
“They spent four mornings of their Fall Break working at the Shelter. They walked dogs every day in hot, humid weather. Each walk was one-half mile or more. They spent time socializing a couple of kitten litters, and they bathed a litter of puppies. They were present when we received abandoned animals and when animals received their tests and shots,” Diann said.
Continuing, she shared, “Their work literally means the difference in life or death for some animals. The more animals are socialized and respond positively to people makes all the difference in their adoptability. I was so proud to sponsor Teagan and Anna Claire. They did GOOD work! And the last thing both girls asked as they thanked and told the Shelter Staff goodbye was, ‘Hey, Miss Diann, you’ll bring us back again, right? We don’t have to earn hours to come work here, we can just come?’”
Not only did the youngsters put in some stellar volunteer work, but to have National Beta Club membership means they also have a 3.5 cumulative grade average and must maintain it.
National Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. For 80 years, it has promoted achievement, character, leadership and service.
It is our understanding this is the first year Many Junior High School has had a Beta Club. Of its 350 students, 57 are now Beta Club members.
Congratulations to Anna Claire, Teagan and Jack for their service to our community. It is much appreciated.
(Special thanks to Diann Migliore for letting us know of the above good deeds.)
Last month, the United States District Court Western District of Louisiana Grand Jury indicted Ronald Carnell Holland Jr., age 24, of Many and Trinity Leonna Jackson, age 22, of Zwolle.
Holland was indicted for Felon in Possession of Firearms, Possession of Flualprazolam with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Jackson was indicted for 3 counts of False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm.
These indictments are a result of the felony arrest of Holland on April 14 of this year. The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Tactical Narcotics Teams located and seized marijuana, hundreds of pills, drug paraphernalia, three firearms, large capacity magazines and ammunition inside Holland’s home in Many. There was also a small child living in the residence at the time.
Holland is currently incarcerated in Shreveport under federal custody.
Jackson is free, pending a later court date.
(Special thanks to Det. Wade Seegers for the above information.)
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